No clues to ‘missing’ man thought lost off Yamba

POLICE have suspended an investigation to locate a man thought to be missing off Yamba's main beach.

Grafton Police duty officer Inspector Jo Reid said police were no closer to finding the whereabouts or identity of the man, having exhausted all inquiries.

As yet no one has been reported missing, or come forward to claim their hat and maroon towel.

The clothing items sparked a major air and sea search involving Marine Rescue, police and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter on Sunday afternoon when beachgoers noticed they were still on the sand, hours after the man had gone into thewater.

No one questioned by authorities had seen him leave the beach and, although it was later reported that he might have been seen getting into a car it could not be confirmed.

At the time, the man was wearing dark boardshorts and had a left-leg limp.

He was described by witnesses as being in his 60s, about 170-173cm tall with short grey hair.

A search of the surf from Yamba to Angourie finished on Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Yamba Police Station on 6603 0199 or 1800 333 000.